NYC XYZ wrote:
Just curious: why does the HP Velotechnik site show photos of
helmetless riders?

Visit continental Europe and you'll see thousands upon thousands of
riders not wearing helmets, especially in the NL, and that's on
conventional bikes with further to fall and a much greater chance of
headplanting over the bars. Helmets are very much the exception and
usually only seen on people doing serious sports riding.

Anyone actually fell of a 'bent?

A few times, usually sliding out on gravel and a couple of comedy
unclipping disasters.

Seems like a harder thing to do, no?

Sliding out it's just as easy.

I'm still not sure how styrofoam is supposed to protect the head...why
not wear a real helmet?

Because they weigh a large amount and aren't ventilated very well and
are consequently poorly suited to aerobic activity.

There was a recent flame war thread here called "Advisor wanted" where
helmet efficacy was discussed ad nauseum and then some. Google back to
that, or for a less flamey repository of helmet information look at
www.cyclehelmets.org
People have been safely cycling without helemts for well over a century
on a routine basis, it isn't the certain route to brain damage or death
often painted.
Wear one if you like, but I must say I've enjoyed my cycling a lot more
since I found out how necessary they aren't and stopped wearing one.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/